For one thing, the Santa Monica Pier didn't exist in 1926 when
Route 66 was stitched together. In fact, Will Roger's ranch was
headquartered in the hills above what is now Palisade's Park. He lived
there while making movies in the completely rural Hollywood/Santa Monica
area.
Route 66 wasn't "extended" from downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica
for many years. And the plaque in Palisade's Park that "marks" the
end of Route 66? Well, that was placed there after World War II in
connection with a movie company's promotion of a film about Route 66.
But, what the heck, SOMEPLACE has got to be the end of Route 66 and you
won't get your feet wet on the Santa Monica Pier!
This really lovely building (everything else on the pier looks pretty
temporary) houses the merry-go-round featured in the motion picture
The Sting.
